Charles Lafate Rongey

Mr. Charles Lafate Rongey, 82, of Danvers, IL passed away Thursday August 8, 2024 at his residence surrounded by his loved ones. Charles was born to Ernest and Oreta (Wilson) Rongey on February 11, 1942 in Searcy, Arkansas. He graduated from Normal Community High School in the class of 1960. Following his graduation from high school, Charles enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. He was a proud United States veteran, having served in the Vietnam War from 1962 through 1967. On August 31, 1968, he married the love of his life, Sandra Kay Dalton. The two were happily married for 51 years until Sandra’s passing in September of 2019.

Charles was known for his strong work ethic and was dedicated to providing for his family. He worked in shipping and receiving for Bridgestone-Firestone and retired after 30 years. Charles knew many joys in life and was an avid coin and eagle collector, and had a vast collection of Nascar memorabilia to boot. He enjoyed going antique shopping and could spend hours at it, but when he was ready for some relaxation, he could be found fishing, camping, or if staying at home, sitting in his favorite recliner.

Charles is survived by his son, Bruce (Jean) Rongey (Yuba City, CA); Daughter, Renee Rongey (Geri Bastian) (Danvers, IL); step-sons: Gerald DeBolt (Farmer City, IL) and John Snelling (Bloomington, IL); Grandchildren: Amanda and Stephanie Gibson (Bloomington, IL), Jennifer Elder (FL), Cassandra Snelling (Bloomington, IL), James DeBolt (Farmer City, IL), Remington Wood (Danvers, IL), Christian DeBolt (Pompano Beach, FL), Jesse Reece (Big Timber, MT), and great-grandchildren: Jayden, Aubree, and Karrissa Gibson; Devon, Brooke, and Dylan Elder; Aubriella Snelling and Lillian Brasher; and brother Bryan (Betsy) Rongey.

He is preceded in death by his parents, beloved wife Sandra, Step-daughter, Tonja Gibson, grandson Stephen DeBolt, Great-granddaughter Alivia Gibson, and his brothers Robert and Richard Rongey.

Visitation for Mr. Charles L. Rongey will be held Thursday August 15, 2024 at 10:00 AM at East Lawn Funeral Home in Bloomington. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 AM. Interment will then take place in the East Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family requests memorial donations in Charles’ memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Jude Medical Center. East Lawn Funeral Home has been entrusted to provide services for Charles L. Rongey.